Kyocera Hydro Waterproof Smartphone To Come On Boost Mobile On Aug 3

Kyocera announced Kyocera Hydro with Boost Mobile, a new water proof phone, during the CTIA Wireless 2012 event. The Kyocera Hydro is “certified waterproof for IPX5, protection against water jets, and IPX7, protection against water immersion for up to 30 minutes in up to 1 meter (3.3 ft).” Granted, the phone is inoperable when underwater or when wet, so you can forget any of those amazing underwater camera shots you had planned. But it’s still a great buy for anyone who’s lost one too many phones to water damage.

The Hydro will arrive in Boost stores on August 3 in North America. You’ll be able to buy one for just $129.99. It will be available with the Boots Mobile as the carrier and it will be priced at $ 129.99 with no contract or terms of agreement.

Kyocera Hydro features :

1 Ghz processor Qualcomm Snapdragon processor

3.5″ HVGA IPS LCD display

480×320 resolution

3.2 MP rear camera

1,500 mAH battery

Eco mode for better battery management

Android 4.0 out of the box

According to press release :

Get Wet and Be Worry-Free This Summer with the Waterproof Kyocera Hydro Android Smartphone from Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile, a leader in the no-contract wireless industry, makes a splash this summer by unveiling the Kyocera Hydro, the first IPX5- and IPX7-level water-proof Android™-powered smartphone that doesn’t require a contract. Kyocera Hydro is “oops proof,” with innovative technology built to withstand sprayed water like rain (IPX5) or even being submerged in three (3) feet of fresh water for up to 30 minutes* (IPX7). Get Wet and Be Worry-Free This Summer with the Waterproof Kyocera Hydro Android Smartphone from Boos …

Boost Mobile and Kyocera recognize that mobile phone accidents happen, but unlike cracked screens or broken keypads that can be replaced, water damage is usually irreversible. In almost all cases, water damage results in nothing more than a good-looking paperweight. According to industry statistics, more than 82.5 million mobile phones nationwide have been destroyed by water or moisture. Water damage also drives more than 20 percent of handset insurance claims during the summer months as consumers look to stay cool and connected by the pool.

Kyocera Hydro will be available starting Aug. 3 for $129.99 (excluding taxes) at Boost Mobile’s exclusive retail stores, select independent wireless dealer locations nationwide and at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping. The lightweight 3G smartphone, weighing only 4.16 ounces, will be available in select national retail locations later next month.

“With other water-soaked smartphones, consumers instantly move into MacGyver mode attempting to beat the odds with dry rice, Ziploc bags and other home remedies that rarely work,” said Andre Smith, vice president-Boost Mobile. “With the Kyocera Hydro, consumers can eliminate the panic of water damage and just enjoy their affordable Android-powered smartphone paired with Boost’s award-winning no-contract service with payments that shrink over time.”

Kyocera Hydro is paired with Boost Mobile’s no-contract $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with Shrinking Payments. For every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile’s Monthly Unlimited plan shrinks by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month for unlimited nationwide talk, text and picture messaging, Web, email and calls to 411. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.

“Kyocera Hydro offers a great value for a sleek, fully featured smartphone – and being waterproof is really the icing on the cake,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications, Inc. “Wireless devices and water generally are not a good combination, but with Hydro you finally get the peace of mind to know that they can peacefully coexist.”